Georgian Mourning Brooch Value Guide

12k Gold Victorian Mourning Brooch 2 Tone Braided Hair ...
Georgian Mourning Brooch
Estimated Value
$115 – $125
Period
1800-1830
Origin
United Kingdom
Materials
12k Gold, Glass, Human Hair

This Georgian Mourning Brooch, originating from the United Kingdom between 1800 and 1830, represents a poignant era of funerary customs where hair was preserved as a wearable memento. Its intricate scrollwork border and central glass compartment showcase the high level of craftsmanship dedicated to commemorating deceased loved ones before the Victorian era.

What Is Georgian Mourning Brooch Worth?

The typical price range for Georgian Mourning Brooch is $115 - $125 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The physical condition of the 12k gold scrollwork and the clarity of the protective glass.
  • The complexity and preservation of the braided hair work inside the compartment.
  • Current market demand for Georgian-era funerary items, typically valued between $115 and $125.
  • The presence of any inscriptions or hallmarks on the reverse side of the rectangular frame.

How to Identify Georgian Mourning Brooch?

  • Verify the presence of 12k gold, which was common for mid-tier Georgian mourning jewelry.
  • Examine the central glass compartment for authentic, hand-braided or woven human hair patterns.
  • Look for the specific ornate scrollwork border style characteristic of the 1800-1830 period.
  • Check for a simple C-clasp or T-bar pin mechanism consistent with early 19th-century construction.

History of Georgian Mourning Brooch

Mourning jewelry became increasingly popular during the Georgian era as a way to commemorate deceased loved ones. Small locks of hair were intricately woven or braided and placed behind glass, often set in gold with symbols of eternity or grief. These pieces served as wearable mementos and were a staple of funerary customs before the practice was further popularized by Queen Victoria.

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